Framework for powerful new strategic authorities needs improving
Last week, the House of Commons debated the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The Bill will set up new strategic authorities, taking the model of the Mayor of London and metro-mayors and extending it right across England.
Together with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, this Bill will over time create a very powerful regional layer of authorities covering planning, housing, regeneration and transport. This could be really positive, with these new authorities able to coordinate policy and delivery across different issues, as the Mayor of London can.
But with greater power should come greater responsibility and a governance and legislative framework to match. Wet think the Bill needs to do more to ensure:
- Sufficient scrutiny and accountability of strategic mayors and authorities
- Strategic mayors and authorities address the needs of all communities
- Long-term issues are addressed, such as tackling climate change (including adapting to a changing climate), restoring nature and tackling health inequalities
- The transition to strategic authorities does not overwhelm existing resources still further, given it will take place alongside major local government reorganisation
Richard Hebditch (Better Planning Coalition coordinator) and Naomi Luhde-Thompson (director of coalition member Rights Community Action) will be talking through our concerns at the House of Commons bill committee’s evidence session on the Bill this coming Tuesday (16 September).
You can read our briefing for last week’s debate here.